How to Setup VPN on Windows Server 2019
This article will cover the basics of setting up and using a VPN on a Windows Server 2019. We will go over the basics of what a VPN is and why you would want to use one.
What is a VPN?
A VPN is a virtual private network that can be used to safely allow employees to connect to private networks, such as those found at work, over public networks, such as the Internet.
A VPN can also be used to securely and privately connect to Wi-Fi hotspots, ensuring that no one can eavesdrop on your personal data (like passwords and emails).
VPNs are often used by companies and organizations that have security policies that forbid their employees from accessing personal websites, downloading apps, or using different devices (e.g. smartphones) than those provided by the company. VPNs can ensure that these policies are followed without breaching security by allowing only authorized devices to connect to the company network.
Why use a VPN?
The most basic reason for using a VPN is to ensure that your personal data is kept private and secure when connecting to public networks, like the Internet. If you are working from home or remotely, you may want to consider using a VPN to ensure that your personal data is kept private when connecting to public networks.
This is especially important if you are connecting to a Wi-Fi network, as the data you transmit over this connection is easily accessible to anyone within range. Anyone connected to this network will have access to your personal data. So, if you really don’t want people knowing your personal details, you should refrain from using public Wi-Fi when working remotely.
A VPN can also be used to securely and privately connect to Wi-Fi hotspots, ensuring that no one can eavesdrop on your personal data (like passwords and emails).
If your computer is connected to a public network (e.g. the Internet) when you are trying to access a private network (e.g. a company network), you will most likely encounter security warnings. These warnings signal that your computer is trying to access a private network without authorization and could potentially do so undetected, violating your organization’s security policy.
The most basic reason for using a VPN is to ensure that your personal data is kept private and secure when connecting to public networks, like the Internet. If you are working from home or remotely, you may want to consider using a VPN to ensure that your personal data is kept private and secure when connecting to public networks.
A VPN can also be used to securely and privately connect to Wi-Fi hotspots, ensuring that no one can eavesdrop on your personal data (like passwords and emails). This is an important security measure for organizations that host their own Wi-Fi networks.
If your computer is connected to a public network (e.g. the Internet) when you are trying to access a private network (e.g. a company network), you will most likely encounter security warnings. These warnings signal that your computer is trying to access a private network without authorization and could potentially do so undetected, violating your organization’s security policy.
The VPN will not prevent your device from being hacked, but it can provide some protection by encrypting all data sent between your device and a server, thus preventing anyone listening on the network from understanding your transmissions. In addition, a VPN can prevent attackers from accessing your computer when connected to a public network, as all traffic is disguised as coming from another device on the network.
By encrypting the data, the VPN prevents others from accessing your personal information when it is stored on the server. In some instances, this could include credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other highly sensitive information. In other words, a VPN can prevent cyberattacks that seek to steal your identity.
How to Setup VPN on Windows Server 2019
To setup a VPN on Windows Server 2019, you will need to do the following:
- Configure Windows Server 2019 to allow VPN connections
- Install and configure the VPN app on your device(s)
- Associate your device(s) with the VPN
- Test your setup
Configuring Windows Server 2019 for VPN connections is fairly straightforward. Simply go to Settings and then to Network and Sharing.
You will want to make sure that VPN is enabled below the Networking section of the settings.
Click on the Change Settings button and then select the VPN option under the VPN heading in the list that appears.
You will then need to enter a Name for the VPN and click Save.
The VPN app needs to be configured on your device(s) in advance in order to connect to it. This can be done with the help of the Windows GUI or through mobile device management (MDM) software that is installed on your device(s). The following sections will discuss how to install and configure the VPN app on your device(s).
Install And Configure the VPN App On Your Device(s)
The first thing you will need to do is download and install the VPN app on one or more of your devices. For the purpose of this tutorial, we will assume that you have installed the VPN app on your personal computer (PC).
If you have more than one device, you can configure Windows to allow you to connect to the VPN on a per-device basis. This can be done from the Control Panel — Network and Sharing Center — VPN Client settings. Alternatively, you can force all your devices to connect to the VPN when you connect to the network. This can be done by setting up a Network Location rule in the GPO (Group Policy Object) in Active Directory that applies to the VPN. More information on GPOs can be found online here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/gpeditasgetstarted/gpos-configure-windows?view=win10-pt
Once you have installed the VPN app on one or more of your devices, you can proceed to the next step.
Associate Your Device(s) With The VPN
In order to connect your device(s) to the VPN, you will need to associate it with the VPN. To do this, open the VPN app on your device and select the + icon at the top right of the screen to create a new connection. A dialog box will then appear, listing all the available networks.
Enter the name of your VPN (e.g. “My Company VPN”) and then select the Connect button. Your device will then be connected to the VPN and will display the associated network symbol. From here, you can easily switch between connections to the VPN by selecting the connection you want to use from the list that appears. You can also disconnect from the VPN at any time by selecting the Disconnect option at the bottom of the VPN window.
If you are connecting multiple devices to the VPN, you can associate each device with a different connection by selecting the “Add Another Connection…” button at the bottom of the VPN list.
To associate your device with the VPN, you must enter the credentials of a user with administrative privileges on the VPN server. Depending on your security policies, you may want to create a limited user account with only the permissions necessary to connect to the VPN. This account should then be granted access to the administrative tools necessary to configure the device.
Test Your Setup
Once you have installed and configured the VPN app on one or more of your devices, you can test your setup to make sure it is working. To do this, you will need to disconnect from the VPN and then re-establish your connection to the network. When you reconnect, you should see a notification that the VPN is connected. If this is the case, then your setup is working and you can proceed to the final step.
Use Your VPN To Browse The Web And Download Apps
Now that you have your VPN setup and working, you can use it to browse the web and download apps as usual. However, as mentioned above, all your data is encrypted as it travels over the network, preventing anyone (including Microsoft) from eavesdropping on your communications. In addition, since all your data is being sent through a VPN, your device will appear to be coming from another location, preventing network attacks that seek to manipulate your data (e.g. by tricking you into downloading malware).